We are proud to announce that the 2013 SonglinesMusic Travel trip to Zanzibar has been named as one of Wanderlust’s Best Trips of 2013.

Zanzibar is a paradise island, but it’s better than that. It’s a paradise island with great beaches, a fantastic mix of cultural influences, a car-free warren of streets that is Stone Town and some of the best music in East Africa.

The trip also includes the Sauti Za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) Festival in Stone Town, one of Africa’s biggest music festivals and one of Songlines’ 25 Best International Festivals 2012 (#84, p55). Festival-goers can expect a vibrant mix of styles, including traditional ngoma, taarab, kidumbak, R&B, Swahili hip-hop, mystic and religious music, theatre, comedy and dance. The main stage will feature acts from all over Africa including the young, up-and-coming band from Zimbabwe, Mokoomba, veteran singer Cheikh Lô from Senegal and Tanzanian group Super Maya Baikoko plus many others.

“I especially liked the relaxed nature of the tour. It made a lot of sense to have a couple of ‘meet-up’ times per day, but with no obligation. Overall the tour was very enjoyable. Zanzibar is a fascinating place, the music variety was wonderful and the group of people on the tour was lovely. Thank you!”

Taking you where the music happens, Songlines Music Travel drops you right in the musical heart of some of the most exciting and beautiful cultures and countries from around the globe. For our full list of 2013 trips click here.